Top 10 Digital Cameras

We rate point-and-shoot models and advanced cameras in this month's chart.

Lisa Cekan

Wednesday, October 02, 2002, 11:00 AM PDT

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	Rank	Name
Point-and-Shoot
	1	Fujifilm FinePix 2800 Zoom • 2.0 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 6X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • No scene modes • Price when ranked: $379 Check latest prices The FinePix 2800 Zoom has a powerful optical zoom and long battery life for a moderate price. Menus are easy to navigate. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	2	Nikon Coolpix 2000 • 2.0 megapixels • 16MB CompactFlash • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio • 5 scene modes • Price when ranked: $199 Check latest prices This inexpensive, pared-down camera lacks an optical viewfinder, but its intuitive buttons and menus make it easy for beginners to pick up and use. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	3	Olympus D-550 Zoom • 3.0 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 2.8X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio • 5 scene modes • Price when ranked: $399 Check latest prices The D-550 captures sharp, evenly exposed photos and adds a few extra features, such as the ability to take panorama shots. (Last Rated: August 21, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

	4	HP Photosmart 720 • 3.18 megapixels • 16MB internal • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • No scene modes • Price when ranked: $349 Check latest prices This large, relatively heavy model lacks some common features (like a macro mode), and its controls are slow and jerky, but it takes nice-looking photographs. It uses internal storage but comes with an SD media card slot. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	5	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P9 • 4.0 megapixels • 16MB Memory Stick • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • 3 scene modes • Price when ranked: $599 Check latest prices Small and fun to use, the P9 offers some extra features like image editing in the camera. Its high resolution didn't translate into impressive photo quality, however. (Last Rated: May 24, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
Advanced
	1	Olympus C-4000 Zoom • 4.0 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio • 10 scene, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, full manual modes • Price when ranked: $499 Check latest prices The inexpensive Olympus C-4000 blends great image quality, manual exposure settings, and a long battery life. Navigation menus and buttons can be confusing, however. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

	2	Canon PowerShot G2 • 4.0 megapixels • 32MB CompactFlash • 3X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • 6 scene, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, full manual modes • Price when ranked: $799 Check latest prices With sharp, vivid photographs and tons of exposure control options, the G2 is a great choice for photo hobbyists. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	3	Nikon Coolpix 4500 • 4.0 megapixels • 16MB CompactFlash • 4X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • 16 scene, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, full manual modes • Price when ranked: $699 Check latest prices Printed photographs looked better than shots displayed on-screen, but the Coolpix 4500 offers a nice range of features, including 16 scene modes and a variety of optional lenses. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	4	Fujifilm FinePix S602 Zoom • 3.1 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 6X optical zoom • Video recording, audio recording • 5 scene, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, full manual modes • Price when ranked: $799 Check latest prices Somewhat expensive for a 3-megapixel camera, the S602 includes a slew of extra features, such as a hot-shoe flash sync, a 6X zoom, and an IBM Microdrive media slot. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report
	5	Olympus C720 Ultra Zoom • 3.0 megapixels • 16MB SmartMedia • 8X optical zoom • Video recording, no audio • 5 scene, aperture-priority, shutter-priority, full manual modes • Price when ranked: $599 Check latest prices The longest battery life we've seen and an 8X optical zoom are offset by a lack of a manual focus. Image quality could be better. (Last Rated: September 25, 2002) Full Review • Test Report

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Use the Check Boxes to see a Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall rating is based on price (30 percent), picture quality (20 percent), ease of use (15 percent), features (15 percent), battery life (10 percent), and support (10 percent). For all ratings, higher is better. To gauge picture quality, we take a series of shots, with and without flash, at 640 by 480 resolution and at the camera's highest resolution. We photograph a complex still life and a mannequin to see how well each camera captures details and subtle colorings such as skin tones. A panel of judges reviews the on-screen and printed photos and assigns image-quality scores, which we average. Camera weights include batteries. Data based on tests designed and conducted by the PC World Test Center. All rights reserved.